Karyotype of Espeletiopsis muiska

Objective. The cell cycle and chromosomic description of Espeletiopsis muiska was studied in meristematic cells of root tips obtained from in vitro culture of embryos on MS medium supplemented with IBA. Materials and methods. Root tips at different times of day were collected and the cells in each mitotic phase were counted. With this information, the cell cycle length and mitotic activity was determined at its peak hours. Description of chromosomes and elaboration of karyotype of the specie was done with a protocol that allows obtaining metaphase chromosomes. Results. Regarding the cell cycle length, we found that the interface includes the 94.65% and mitosis the 5.35% of total cell cycle. Regarding the mitotic phases, the prophase lasts longer, 1.92%, while the anaphase is the shortest, 0.96%. As to mitotic hour, meristematic cells of root tips showed an increased activity between 10:30 and 11:15. 19 pairs of chromosomes with similar lengths, similar centromeric indices and asymmetrical karyotype were found in this cytogenetic study. Conclusions. The detailed study of the chromosomes revealed a chromosome complement 2n=38+2B, two chromosomes with microsatellite terminals and one with a secondary constriction.